Training tip/success story! I hope this can help someone else as well!

The age of when to start a horse is quite controversial, as is a lot in the equestrian world. My mare for instance, I rescued as an emaciated 3 year old who is now 4. She was terrified of everything. Untrusting, fearful and completely lacked confidence.

I couldn’t get through to her for a couple months. She’d sort of do what I asked, but she was skittish. She’d wear the halter, she’d walk with me, but every trust exercise I tried ended up with her on the other side of the round pen, unwilling to join up.

So, I started taking her everywhere with me. Just around the farm at first, but doing chores around the farm often ended up with me walking 4-8 miles by the time I was done. When I was cleaning out the trailer, I had her next to me for the entire four hours it took. Drove the four wheeler with her on a lunge line next to me, when I cleaned the shelter or pasture I had her lead rope in one hand and she followed me around.

Once she was confident enough and I knew she wasn’t going to yank the rope away from me, I started saddling her to get her used to the cinch and feel of everything and would take her on walks with my dog. This was sooo beneficial for so many reasons. She learned how to carry herself, navigate terrain, process scary things instead of panic, follow me and trust that I was taking care of her, as well as exposing her to traffic and cars and other people.

We’d walk into town as well, as we don’t have to cross or walk beside any major roads. The people at the agriculture center love her, and people still ask about her. One of my friends would ride her horse to the bar and I’d walk alongside with my mare. This allowed her to get used to the saddle without the weight of me in it, but also get used to pressure and voice commands.

Why was this so beneficial? When I rode her for the first time she rode off like she’d been ridden for years. No buck, no rear, no bolt, no funny business whatsoever. At 4 years old she’s still in light work, but she tolerates so much more and is confident in herself and in my abilities to take care of her. We skipped the round pen and hours spent desensitizing and now she crosses water, steps over logs, is traffic safe, and trail rides in a group or alone at 4. All I’m saying is don’t skip out on handling your young horses. I know a lot of people think young horses shouldn’t be worked, but this is THE MOST important time to teach them basics and help them build confidence. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be.